Best New Australian Hotel Openings

This is the first in a new series of reports that tap into the knowledge of editors at T+L’s international editions—six and counting—from around the globe.

Great Barrier Reef The just-opened resort Qualia (61-2/9433-3349;qualiaresort.com.au; doubles from $1,260) is a compound of 60 pine-floor bungalows on a remote corner of Hamilton Island, the Whitsundays’ largest inhabited isle. You can count on a decent wine list: the owner is Robert Oatley, founder of Rosemount Estate Wines, one of Australia’s best vineyards.

SYDNEY Melbourne may be known for its bar scene, but Sydney is fighting back with the Bauhaus-influenced Oxford Art Factory (61-2/9332-3711; oxfordart factory.com)—part gallery, lounge, theater and live music space.

Melbourne The Southern Hemisphere’s tallest building, Eureka (61-3/9693-8888; eurekaskydeck.com.au) now has a skydeck with a partially enclosed glass cube that shoots out 10 feet from the building—and gives 360-degree views of the city.